Reducing Light Pollution: Saving Money, Energy, And The Environment

Light pollution is a growing problem, with a 2023 study in Science magazine finding that the number of stars visible in the night sky decreased by 7-10% per year from 2011 to 2022. Artificial light at night has expanded and intensified over the past decades, severely disrupting nocturnal ecosystems, human health, and safety, and wasting energy. Reducing light pollution can therefore benefit energy consumers financially and help mitigate climate change by reducing the emissions associated with energy production.

There are several ways to reduce light pollution, including:

- Using covered bulbs that light up downwards

- Using motion sensors, dimmers, and timers

- Replacing light bulbs with LEDs, which reduce energy use and protect the environment

- Turning off unnecessary lights, such as decorative lighting and indoor lighting in empty office buildings

- Using low-light levels and warm-hued bulbs

- Keeping blinds and drapes closed at night

Less energy wastage

Reducing light pollution can lead to significant energy savings and lower costs for individuals, businesses, and governments. Here are some ways in which lessening light pollution can result in less energy wastage:

Use of Covered Bulbs and Warm-Colored Lights:

By using covered bulbs that direct light downwards, we can minimise the amount of light escaping into the sky. The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) recommends the use of warm-coloured bulbs, such as low-pressure sodium (LPS) or low-colour-temperature LEDs, for outdoor lighting. These bulbs produce a warmer light, minimising blue emission, which has been shown to adversely affect wildlife and human vision.

Minimise the Use of Lights:

A simple yet effective way to reduce light pollution and energy wastage is to switch off unnecessary lights. This can include turning off decorative lighting during festive seasons, indoor lighting in empty buildings, and outdoor lighting when it is not needed. Motion sensors, timers, and dimmers can also be utilised to ensure lights are only on when necessary, further reducing energy consumption.

Automated Street Lights:

Street lights can be equipped with automated timers or systems that turn them off during the daytime and when the moon is bright. This not only saves energy but also encourages the use of natural lighting. Additionally, motion sensors can be installed on important outdoor lights, such as security lights, to ensure they are only activated when needed.

Glare-Free and Low-Glare Lighting:

Glare from bright lights can be detrimental to both wildlife and human vision. By opting for glare-free bulbs and low-glare alternatives for outdoor lighting, we can reduce light pollution and improve visibility for motorists and pedestrians. This also includes using dim lighting for vehicles driven at night, as medium lighting is usually sufficient in artificially lit areas, and bright lights can blind oncoming drivers.

Avoiding Blue Lights:

Blue-rich white light sources have a larger geographic reach, worsening sky glow and increasing glare. By avoiding the use of blue lights, particularly in outdoor settings, we can reduce light pollution and improve visibility.

By implementing these measures, we can significantly reduce light pollution and, in turn, lower energy wastage and costs. These steps contribute to a more sustainable future, preserving the beauty of the night sky and minimising the negative impacts of artificial lighting on the environment and human well-being.

Lower electricity bills

Reducing light pollution can have a significant impact on lowering electricity bills for individuals, institutions, and governments. Here are some ways in which reducing light pollution can lead to lower electricity costs:

LED Lighting and Warm-Colored Bulbs

LED lights are highly energy-efficient and can help reduce electricity consumption. However, it is important to choose the right type of LED bulb. The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) recommends using warm-colored bulbs for outdoor lighting, such as low-pressure sodium (LPS) or high-pressure sodium (HPS) bulbs. These bulbs produce a warmer light that is less disruptive to the night sky and can help reduce energy costs.

Minimize Decorative and Unnecessary Lighting

A significant amount of energy is wasted on decorative lighting, especially during festive seasons. By reducing the use of decorative lights and opting for more environmentally friendly alternatives, such as candles, individuals can contribute to lowering light pollution and their electricity bills. Additionally, turning off unnecessary lights before sleep or when no activity is taking place outside the house can also help reduce energy consumption.

Automated Lighting and Motion Sensors

Implementing automated lighting systems with timers and motion sensors can significantly reduce electricity usage. These systems can be programmed to turn off street lights and indoor lights when natural lighting is sufficient, such as during the daytime or when the moon is bright. This not only saves energy but also reduces light pollution by encouraging the use of natural light.

Direct Lights Downwards

Using covered bulbs that direct light downwards can minimize the brightening of the night sky. This simple adjustment can be made to street lights and highway lights. By reducing the amount of light shining upwards, less energy is wasted, and lower electricity bills can be achieved.

Reduce Glare with Low-Light Levels

Using low light levels and opting for warm-hued bulbs can help minimize glare and reduce energy consumption. Blue-rich white light sources increase glare and can negatively impact human vision, especially for older individuals. By choosing warmer color temperatures and lower Kelvin ratings for bulbs, individuals can reduce their electricity usage while still maintaining sufficient lighting for safety and functionality.

Less money spent on light bulbs

While reducing light pollution has many benefits, it can also help save money by cutting down on the cost of light bulbs. Here's how:

Reducing light pollution can lead to significant cost savings for cities, businesses, and individuals. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by switching to energy-efficient light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs. LED lights consume up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last up to 25 times longer. This means that by making the switch, you'll be spending far less money on replacement bulbs over time.

In addition, LED lights are much cheaper to operate. For example, the Energy Department estimated that in 2017, LED lights accounted for about 19% of all lighting installations in the United States, saving approximately 1% of the country's total energy consumption. This translates to substantial monetary savings for those who adopt LED technology.

However, it's important to choose the right type of LED bulb to minimise light pollution. Warm-coloured bulbs, such as low-pressure sodium (LPS) or high-pressure sodium (HPS) bulbs, are recommended for outdoor lighting. These bulbs emit less blue light, which is known to cause glare and negatively impact human and wildlife health. By choosing these warmer-hued bulbs, you'll not only reduce light pollution but also save money on electricity bills.

Another way to save money on light bulbs is to reduce the number of bulbs in use. This can be achieved by using motion sensors, timers, and dimmers. By ensuring that lights are only on when needed, you can lower your electricity costs and extend the lifespan of your bulbs, resulting in less frequent replacements.

Furthermore, covered bulbs that direct light downwards can also help reduce light pollution and save money. Properly designed lighting fixtures minimise the amount of illumination escaping into the sky, making them more energy-efficient and cost-effective.

By implementing these simple measures, individuals, businesses, and cities can reduce light pollution and simultaneously lower their expenses on light bulbs and electricity. It's a win-win situation that benefits both the environment and our wallets.

Less money spent on healthcare

Reducing light pollution can lead to significant cost savings in the healthcare sector. Here are some ways in which this can be achieved:

Lower Healthcare Costs Associated with Air Pollution

Light pollution is a significant contributor to air pollution, which has been linked to various adverse health outcomes. By reducing light pollution, we can decrease the negative impacts on human health and, consequently, lower healthcare expenditures. This includes reducing the instances of cardiovascular and respiratory ailments, as well as other serious health issues caused by air pollution.

Improve Mental Health and Wellbeing

Excessive artificial lighting at night can disrupt human health and wellbeing. Reducing light pollution can help mitigate these negative effects, leading to improved mental health and overall wellbeing. This, in turn, can reduce healthcare costs associated with mental health issues, such as treatment for anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders.

Prevent Negative Effects on Wildlife and Ecosystems

Light pollution can have detrimental effects on wildlife and ecosystems, including migratory patterns, reproduction, and habitat disruption. By minimizing light pollution, we can help protect and preserve these natural habitats. This, in turn, can reduce healthcare costs associated with ecological imbalances, such as the spread of vector-borne diseases like Lyme disease and West Nile Virus.

Energy Cost Savings and Environmental Protection

Reducing light pollution can be achieved through the use of energy-efficient lighting solutions, such as LED lights, motion sensors, and timers. These measures not only reduce light pollution but also decrease energy consumption, leading to cost savings for healthcare facilities. Additionally, by reducing energy usage, we can contribute to environmental protection and mitigate the impacts of climate change, which has been linked to various health issues.

Public Awareness and Education

Educating the public about light pollution and its impacts on health and the environment is essential. By raising awareness, we can encourage individuals and communities to take action and make necessary changes to reduce light pollution. This can include simple measures such as turning off unnecessary lights, using environmentally friendly lighting alternatives, and supporting initiatives that promote dark sky preservation.

Less money spent on crime

While some sources suggest that improved street lighting can be an effective way to reduce crime, others argue that it can generate positive social interaction and make people feel safer, without actually making them safer.

In fact, there is no clear scientific evidence that increased outdoor lighting deters crimes. A 2015 study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that streetlights do not prevent accidents or crime, but they do cost a lot of money. The researchers looked at data on road traffic collisions and crime in 62 local authorities in England and Wales and found that lighting had no effect. According to the study, "when risks are carefully considered, local authorities can safely reduce street lighting, saving both costs and energy ... without necessarily impacting negatively upon road traffic collisions and crime."

Similarly, a 1997 National Institute of Justice study concluded, "We can have very little confidence that improved lighting prevents crime." In fact, glare from bright, unshielded lights can decrease safety by making victims and property easier to see. A Chicago Alley Lighting Project showed a correlation between brightly lit alleyways and increased crime.

Most property crime occurs in daylight. And some crimes like vandalism and graffiti actually thrive under night lighting.

In some cases, lighting an area has been shown to push crime elsewhere. A study in New York showed that overall nighttime index crime dropped by 45% with the introduction of bright temporary light stations. However, the researchers noted that the circumstances of the study did not allow for "displacement" of crime, as people are so closely tied to their communities in the densely populated city.

In contrast, a study in the UK's Bristol area found that switching off street lights from midnight to 5 am led to a reduction in crime. Police figures showed that in Bradley Stoke, the crime rate fell by 17%, in Thornbury by 28%, and in Frampton Cotterell, the crime rate went down by 50%, compared with the previous year. The police suggested that burglars don't like it when it's dark because they like to be able to see their escape route and case a premises before they strike.

Overall, while there is no conclusive evidence that reducing light pollution will lead to a decrease in crime, some studies suggest that it could potentially have this effect, resulting in less money spent on crime prevention and law enforcement.

Frequently asked questions